El Chico Restaurant Copycat Brownie Skillet Recipe

The warm, gooey brownie skillet from El Chico Mexican restaurants is a decadent dessert lovers dream. This copycat recipe recreates the fudgy brownie base loaded with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream that makes the restaurant version so irresistible. Your dinner guests will be impressed when you serve this sizzling skillet creation.

About El Chico’s Signature Brownie Skillet

El Chico has been serving their famous brownie skillet dessert since the first restaurant opened in 1940 in Dallas, Texas. Key features include:

Thick, Fudgy Brownie

A chewy, chocolate brownie forms the base cooked right in the cast iron skillet.

Melted Ice Cream

Generous scoops of vanilla ice cream melt down to create rivers of gooey deliciousness.

Warm Fudge Sauce

Hot fudge sauce smothers the brownie and ice cream indulgently.

Fluffy Whipped Cream

Mounds of cloud-like whipped cream top it off.

Key Ingredients for Copycat Brownie Skillet

With just a few supermarket ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite:

Dark Chocolate

Use semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for fudgy brownies.

Butter

Butter gives the brownies richness.

Eggs and Sugar

Eggs help bind the brownies while sugar sweetens and caramelizes them.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla adds flavor depth.

Flour

All-purpose flour provides structure.

How to Make Copycat El Chico Brownie Skillet

Follow these easy steps:

Prep the Skillet

Grease a 10-12 inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet and preheat oven to 350°F.

Make the Brownie Batter

Melt butter and chocolate, then mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour until smooth batter forms.

Bake Brownie Base

Pour batter into preheated skillet. Bake 25-30 minutes until set around edges but gooey in center.

Add Ice Cream and Fudge

Immediately top hot brownie with scoops of vanilla ice cream and warm fudge sauce.

Finish with Whipped Cream

Finally, top with generous dollops of fluffy whipped cream before serving.

Tips for the Best Brownie Skillet

Follow these tips for skillet success:

• Use an oven-safe skillet so it can go directly from oven to table.
• Slightly underbake brownie for extra gooey texture.
• Act quickly to top brownie with ice cream so it melts.
• Drizzle extra fudge sauce over the ice cream.
• For photo-worthy presentation, pipe or dollop the whipped cream on top.

Serving Suggestions

This sensational skillet is meant to be shared. Here are serving ideas:

For Two

A 10-inch skillet is perfect for a sharing dessert for two.

For Four

Make it in a 12-inch skillet for sharing among four people.

Individual Spoons

Provide individual spoons so guests don't double dip.

Semi-Formal Dessert

Serve at a dinner party in place of cake or pie.

Storing and Reheating

Here are some storage and reheating tips:

• Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat covered in a 300°F oven until hot, about 15 minutes.
• Microwaving makes the brownie rubbery.
• Enjoy cold if desired, like brownie pudding!

Conclusion

El Chico’s signature brownie skillet is a decadent dessert that’s easy to recreate at home. With a thick fudgy brownie base topped with generous scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s no wonder this indulgent skillet has been a customer favorite for over 80 years. Surprise your guests with this copycat recipe for a real crowd-pleasing dessert.

FAQs About El Chico Brownie Skillet

Can you make it in a regular baking pan?

Yes, you can bake the brownie base in a 9x9 inch square baking pan instead of a skillet.

What sides go well with the brownie skillet?

It's very filling, so just a light salad on the side is all you need.

Can I use vanilla ice cream instead of chocolate?

Absolutely. Vanilla ice cream is traditional and provides nice contrast.

Do I need powdered sugar for whipped cream?

No, plain whipped heavy cream or mascarpone works great.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and check that the ice cream and fudge sauce are gluten-free.